The leader of France’s far-right National Front has said there is not a “hair’s breadth” between it and Ukip on immigration and the future of the EU.

Marine Le Pen said it was “ridiculous” for Nigel Farage and others in Ukip to pretend otherwise.

The controversial National Front leader, who is in contention to win next year’s French presidential election, was interviewed on the Andrew Marr Show, despite calls for the BBC not to allow her to share her far-right views.

Asked why Mr Farage has sought to distance himself from the National Front, Ms Le Pen said: “Maybe Ukip is trying to counter the demonisation they are victim of by saying ‘we are the good guys and the National Front are the bad guys’. They can do so, but I don’t feel obliged to follow this strategy.”